Annals of Global Health最新文献

{"title":"Temperature-Related Health Impacts: A Scoping Review and Benchmarking Exercise to Inform a Heat Action Plan.","authors":"Caradee Y Wright, Muthise Bulani, Thandi Kapwata, Viwe Dikoko, Natasha Naidoo","doi":"10.5334/aogh.5016","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.5016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Global heating is associated with adverse health impacts necessitating the implementation of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to protect communities. Gauteng in South Africa is the most populated province, housing three cities (i.e., Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Pretoria) and 25% of the national population. <i>Objective:</i> Given rising temperatures and projected increases in heatwaves and hot days, we gathered literature and case studies to inform the development of a Gauteng HAP. <i>Methods:</i> We conducted a scoping review to inform baseline data on heat-related health impacts for Gauteng and South Africa too, followed by a benchmarking exercise that aimed to identify international best practices that may inform Gauteng's plan. Benchmarking was done using Maharashtra (India), Victoria (Australia), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan). <i>Findings:</i> Thirty-six studies were included in the review, with 13 including Gauteng data and all showing impacts of heat on human health. Most studies applied epidemiological time series linking meteorological exposure (temperature/heat indices) and/or air pollutants (e.g., PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and O₃) with health outcomes; applied remote-sensing, reanalysis, or station data for exposure assessment; and used regression or distributed lag models. The benchmarking exercise identified exemplars' distinctive strengths: Victoria's district thresholds keep activation simple and local-ideal for Gauteng's heterogeneous microclimates across metros and townships. Maharashtra's graded activation and clear departmental roles reduce ambiguity during multi-day heatwaves and thereby would help to align Gauteng Health, Infrastructure, Social Development departments. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's cooling-camp model shows practical, low-cost interventions of a low- and middle-income country that can be replicated at taxi ranks/clinics/malls during temperature peaks. <i>Conclusions:</i> Insights from the literature and international exemplars provide a strong evidence base and adaptable models to guide a context-specific, multi-sectoral HAP for Gauteng that enhances preparedness, coordination, and community protection in a warming South Africa.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"92 1","pages":"8"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12829453/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146054719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupational and Environmental Determinants of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Nurses in Conflict-Affected Gaza Hospitals.","authors":"Ahmed Z Eleiwa, Khalid Jamal Khadoura","doi":"10.5334/aogh.5055","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.5055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health concern among nurses, particularly in high-stress and resource-constrained armed conflict settings. This study assessed the prevalence and occupational and environmental correlates of MSDs among nurses caring for critically ill patients in Gaza City hospitals during the 2023-2025 conflict. <i>Methods:</i> A cross-sectional descriptive analytic study was conducted among 172 nurses in intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments, operating rooms, and pediatric ICUs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Arabic Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and ergonomic exposure assessment tools. Descriptive statistics summarized MSD prevalence and workplace exposures. MSD burden, defined as the number of affected body regions over the past 12 months, was analyzed using negative binomial regression, with logistic and multiple linear regression used as exploratory sensitivity analyses. <i>Results:</i> The 12-month prevalence of MSDs was high, most commonly affecting the neck (69.2%), lower back (68.0%), and shoulders (64.5%). Pain intensity was moderate to high, particularly in the lower back (mean 5.31 ± 3.08), and over 70% of nurses reported difficulty performing work tasks due to pain. Ergonomic risks were widespread, including prolonged neck flexion (84.3%) and trunk bending (67.4%). In multivariable negative binomial regression, being married was independently associated with fewer affected body regions (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] = 0.71, p = 0.002), while working in humid environments was associated with higher MSD counts (aIRR = 1.24, p = 0.026). Adequate rest showed a modest protective association (aIRR = 0.82, p = 0.045). Work pace and perceived stress were not independently associated with MSD burden. <i>Conclusion:</i> Critical care nurses in conflict-affected Gaza experience a high burden of MSDs, particularly in the neck and lower back. Workplace humidity and insufficient rest were key modifiable correlates. Occupational health interventions are urgently needed to protect nurses and sustain care delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"92 1","pages":"6"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12829455/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146054674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Building a Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program in Western Kenya: A Decade of Experience and Growth.","authors":"Festus Njuguna, Carole Kilach, Cyrus Njuguna, Erick Ayaye, Christopher Wanjiku, Rachael Korir, Consolata Bor, Nancy Midiwo, Everlyne Aliwa, Elvis Oburah, Samuel Mbunya, Joseph Kipkoech, Mary Ann Etling, Tyler Severance, Charles Nathaniel Nessle, Terry Vik, Manjusha Kumar, Chris Roberson, Anne Greist","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4725","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.4725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Globally, approximately 515,000 infants with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) are born every year. Approximately 80% of these cases occur in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) annually, including 14,000 newborns in Kenya. In SSA, 50%-80% of children will die before the age of 5 years due to a lack of comprehensive SCD care compared to 3% in better-resourced settings. The Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) SCD Program started in 2010 as a partnership between Moi University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), and Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center (IHTC) with a goal to improve access to comprehensive SCD care by increasing capacity through training, clinical care, research, and advocacy. <i>Findings:</i> The program has trained over 5,000 healthcare workers on different aspects of SCD through face-to-face instruction, virtual training and one-on-one mentorship programs. Early infant screening and support for access to medications like hydroxyurea and antibiotics have been key in improving clinical care. The program has also participated in several research projects and has been a strong advocate for the provision of comprehensive SCD care by the health facilities within the high SCD burden areas in Kenya and the Ministry of Health. <i>Conclusion:</i> The strategies implemented by the program can serve as a template for establishment of SCD care programs in similar resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"92 1","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12829446/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146054698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Climate Change and Mental Health in Africa: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Beverly N Ndifoin, Ulrick Sidney Kanmounye, Kennedy Kwami Edem Kukuia, Francky Teddy Endomba, Aimé Gilbert Mbonda Noula, Desmond T Jumbam","doi":"10.5334/aogh.5110","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.5110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Climate change-related events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires have been shown to affect global mental health. As climate change worsens, extreme weather events increase, leading to more climate-related mental health disorders globally. <i>Objective:</i> This review article assesses the impact of mental health and climate change in Africa to identify trends, research gaps, and potential interventions. <i>Methods:</i> A scoping review methodology, in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, was employed. A search strategy was developed using MeSH and synonym terms to search PubMed, Web of Science, and African Journal Online databases from January 2000 to April 2025. A total of 2332 titles and abstracts were screened. <i>Results:</i> Sixteen articles were included in our final analysis. The studies included were conducted in three East African countries, three North African countries, two West African countries, two Central African countries, and one Southern African country. They were published between 2015 and 2024. Most (56%; <i>n</i> = 9) of the studies were cross-sectional studies. Climate change-related events, such as flooding, drought, and sea-level rise, have been found to affect mental health outcomes in countries like Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria, and Kenya. Commonly cited mental health outcomes included higher anxiety levels and lower well-being among relocated individuals, persistent stress and anxiety due to flooding in Ghana, and significant post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among schoolchildren in Namibia. Vulnerable populations like children, adolescents, women, climate migrants, people living with HIV, and rural populations were found to be most impacted by climate change-related events. <i>Conclusion:</i> While this review highlights an increasing trend in the impact of climate change on the mental health of individuals in Africa, more studies are necessary to establish the relationship between mental health and climate change, and to develop interventions and policies that address the growing mental health burden resulting from climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"92 1","pages":"5"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12802099/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Visible Pregnancy, Invisible HIV: How Social Norms Shape Adolescents Protection Choice in Kenya and Nigeria.","authors":"Cassange Bitère, Raphael Joshua Ifenna, Hilawit Gebrehanna, Dorcas Nyasani Ombasa","doi":"10.5334/aogh.5092","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.5092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa continue to face a high burden of HIV, with adolescent girls and young women disproportionately affected. Yet despite major investments in HIV education, testing, condoms, and biomedical prevention such as PrEP, reductions in new infections remain slow in countries like Kenya and Nigeria. This viewpoint argues that current prevention strategies overlook the social realities that shape adolescent decision-making. Drawing on Bicchieri's Social Norms Theory and field experience, we highlight how visible sanctions tied to pregnancy, reputation, and respectability guide protection choices more than biomedical logic. For many adolescents, discreet hormonal contraception allows girls to avoid public shame, while boys often avoid condoms because being seen purchasing them signals sexual activity and attracts moral judgment. These gendered pressures reduce dual protection even when knowledge and access exist, and fragmented HIV and reproductive health services reinforce the divide. Health systems often deepen this pattern when adolescents feel judged or questioned by providers. Effective HIV prevention requires confronting these normative pressures and integrating youth-friendly reproductive and HIV services. Prevention becomes stronger when it aligns with how adolescents interpret risk, dignity, and responsibility within their social environments rather than focusing on biomedical solutions alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"92 1","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12802101/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145991266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Taking a Climate and Health History: A One Health-Informed Approach to Primary Care and Services.","authors":"Firoz Abdoel Wahid, Maureen Lichtveld, Samantha Totoni, Brian Earle","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4898","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.4898","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Climate change poses the greatest public health threat, disproportionately impacting communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) where fragile health systems increase vulnerability. Despite this, clinical practice often overlooks climate-related health risks. Current approaches focus on single disciplines or settings, limiting broader integration. Incorporating a One Health approach-recognizing the interconnection of human, animal, environmental, and plant health-into routine clinical encounters offers a pathway to strengthen climate-health awareness. This manuscript presents practical guidance for integrating climate and health histories, with a focus on heat exposure, and emphasizes the role of physicians, other health providers and three categories of Community Health Workers (CHWs) across the care continuum. A case study illustrates how targeted climate and environmental inquiries during history-taking can advance diagnosis and patient education. Embedding One Health in clinical care bridges existing gaps, enhances early detection of climate-related illness, and promotes culturally sensitive, holistic health interventions in vulnerable communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"92 1","pages":"2"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12785772/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pathways to Clinical Training Opportunities for International Medical Students and IMGs: The California Experience.","authors":"Margaret Akey, Brian Groves, James C Hudspeth, Tracy L Rabin, Sarah Cortez, Rebecca Silvers, Joseph Novotny, Fekir Negussie, Patti Orozco, Phuoc Le, Riya Sawhney, Nakul Raykar, Michelle Arteaga, John A Davis Rodriguez, Maureen Curran, Susan Byekwaso, Faysal Saab, Norkamari Shakira Bandolin, Michael S Lipnick","doi":"10.5334/aogh.5020","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.5020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many global health initiatives involve partnerships between US academic institutions and low- or middle-income country (LMIC) institutions, but substantial inequities exist in short-term clinical education exchange opportunities for LMIC institutions. US medical students and physicians frequently participate in clinical experiences abroad; however, equivalent opportunities in the US for LMIC medical students and international medical graduates (IMGs) are limited, inconsistent across states, and, for IMGs, typically restricted to observerships. The authors aimed to identify pathways that facilitate clinical training and educational exchanges between California academic medical centers (CA AMCs) and LMIC institutions, and to explore the barriers and enablers for international medical students and IMGs to engage in clinical training in California. The authors conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with global health education stakeholders at CA AMCs and performed a desk review using PubMed, gray literature, and resources from the US State Department, Medical Board of California, and CA AMC websites to ensure the accuracy of information presented. Key institutional challenges include liability concerns, limited program capacity, and funding constraints; additional barriers specific to IMGs include restrictive visa policies and medical board regulations. Enablers included innovative funding mechanisms, existing administrative infrastructure, and, for IMGs, familiarity with visa processes, and the use of the Medical Board of California's Special Permits to enable participation in hands-on patient care. Several potential approaches emerged to reduce barriers and support hosting international medical students and IMGs in hands-on clinical roles at CA AMCs. While these findings offer practical strategies for expanding such exchanges within California, they also highlight the need for broader policy changes, including advocacy for a new visa category dedicated to short-term clinical training exchanges. This article advances the discourse on decolonizing global health by identifying mechanisms to allow equitable, bidirectional clinical training opportunities.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"92 1","pages":"3"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12785761/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Overcoming Stigma in Women's HIV and Syphilis Care: The Role of Faith in Healing.","authors":"Irene A Stafford, Phillip C Johnson, Robin L Beach","doi":"10.5334/aogh.5042","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.5042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Point-of-care (POC) testing for syphilis and HIV is an effective way to provide same-day testing, results management, counseling, and treatment. Although commonly used in antenatal or sexual health clinics, our field study aimed to offer POC testing to women attending a standard care clinic in Guatemala. Nearly all women accepted testing, highlighting the patient-centered benefits and acceptability of screening in non-stigmatizing settings. Upon disclosure of results, especially positive diagnoses, patients drew comfort and resilience from their faith, an often-underprioritized resource not typically considered when addressing sexual health. These results underscore the value of integrating POC testing into routine care and reveal the important role of spirituality in how many patients and providers process diagnosis and illness.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"92 1","pages":"1"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2026-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12785660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145953563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Arsenic Exposure and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children: A Cross‑Sectional Study.","authors":"Claudia López, Paola Rubilar, María P Muñoz, Macarena Hirmas-Adauy, Verónica Iglesias","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4874","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.4874","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Introduction:</i> Arsenic exposure has been identified as a possible risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). In Arica, research has been conducted to relate arsenic exposure to the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, highlighting the need to explore other events, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this study aimed to evaluate the association between current urinary arsenic concentration and the prevalence of NDDs in children from Arica. <i>Methods:</i> A cross‑sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the FONIS project #SA22I0119. The sample consists of 450 children born between 2013 and 2016. The outcome variable, diagnosis of NDDs, was measured through parent self‑reporting. The exposure variable corresponds to the current concentration of urinary inorganic arsenic, corrected by creatinine. A logistic regression model adjusted for confounding variables was used. <i>Results:</i> According to parent self‑report, the prevalence of ADHD was 9.1%, ASD 5.3%, and NDDs 12%. The mean urinary inorganic arsenic concentration was 19.8 μg/g creatinine, and 7.6% of the children had levels ≥35 μg/g creatinine. After adjusting for tutors' education, number of household members, sex, and indigenous origin, those children with urinary arsenic ≥ 35 μg/g creatinine were more likely to present some NDDs (OR: 2.93; 95% CI 1.11, 7.75). For ADHD, the association was also elevated (OR = 3.85; 95% CI 1.44, 10.29). <i>Conclusion:</i> The findings suggest an association between arsenic exposure and the prevalence of NDDs in children. These results contribute to the evidence of arsenic's effect on the neurodevelopment of the child population.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"91 1","pages":"90"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12758100/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145901589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protecting Public Health: Stories of Adaptation from Communities Across the Globe.","authors":"Praveen Kumar, Stella Hartinger, Sokhna Thiam, Amit Mistry, Jenna R Durham","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4976","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.4976","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":"91 1","pages":"89"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12716253/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145806157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}